Meet The 32nd Legislature Of The Virgin Islands

ST. THOMAS — The democratic process in the U.S. Virgin Islands was on full display today here, which saw senators new and old taking the oath of office following the November 8, 2016 election cycle that took power away from some, and gave power to others.

Held at the Emancipation Garden’s David Monsanto Bandstand this morning — a historic site that has come to host many of the territory’s inaugural events — the ceremony saw attendance by a small crowd, among them Governor Kenneth Mapp and Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter. Introductions were made by master of ceremony Timothy Lake, followed by the posting of colors, the national anthem, the Virgin Islands march and a musical selection.

The oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Justice Rhys S. Hodge, who called the newly elected senators by name as they affirmed their position for the 2017-2019 term.

Governor Kenneth Mapp, in prepared remarks, said he looked forwarded to taking advantage of opportunities with the new body to advance the interests of the territory.

“It is with great faith in the principles by which we are governed that I offer my congratulations to the newly elected and re-elected members of the 32nd Legislature of the Virgin Islands. As governor, I look forward to exploiting every opportunity to advance our collective interests through cooperation among the branches of government, mutual respect for the roles assigned by our system of government, and candid public exchange. I pledge my cooperation in all efforts to promote progress and prosperity for all Virgin Islanders,” he said.

Sworn into office today were the following senators:

Senator Marvin A. Blyden

Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff

Senator Jean A. Forde

Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr.

Senator Alicia “Chucky” Hansen

Senator Myron D. Jackson

Senator Neville A. James

Senator Positive T.A. Nelson

Senator Nereida Rivera-O’Reilly

Senator Tregenza A. Roach

Senator Sammuel Sanes

Senator At Large Brian A. Smith

Senator Kurt A. Vialet

Senator Janette Millin Young

Notably, would-be senator Kevin Rodriquez, who was the 6th place winner during the November 8 general election, was not allowed to take the oath of office, as as last-minute ruling on Sunday by the territory’s Supreme Court overturned a Superior Court judgement that ruled in his favor. Citing judicial estoppel, the high court opined that the Superior Court could not take a position contrary to the position it had taken in the past in a legal proceeding. The Superior Court had previously barred Mr. Rodriquez from taking the oath of office, only to overturn its own ruling following testimony from witnesses, including Mr. Rodriquez’s wife, confirming Mr. Rodriquez’s residency in the territory since 2013.

Feature Image: Myron Jackson, the new Senate president, leads the way during a swearing-in ceremony of the 32nd Legislature. (Credit: Government House)

Correction: January 11, 2017

A previous version of this story stated that Kevin Rodriquez came in seventh during the November 8 general election. Mr. Rodriquez placed sixth. The story has been updated to reflect the correct information.

Correction: Jan. 10, 2016

A previous version of this story said the 2016 general election took place on November 9, when it actually took place on November 8. We’ve updated the story to reflect the correct information.

Ernice Gilbert
I wear many hats, I suppose, but the one which fits me best would be journalism, second to that would be radio personality, thirdly singer/songwriter and down the line. I've been the Editor-In-Chief at my videogames website, Gamesthirst, for over 5 years, writing over 7,000 articles and more than 2 million words.
I'm also very passionate about where I live, the United States Virgin Islands, and I'm intent on making it a better place by being resourceful and keeping our leaders honest. VI Consortium was birthed out of said desire, hopefully my efforts bear fruit. Reach me at ernice@viconsortium.com.

Look like not only the Executive branch of the Virgin Islands is INCOMPETENT, its rubbing off on the Superior Court Judges. We all know that the board of elections is a bunch of JACKASS, but at least a Judge should have been more competent than that. I will chalk it up as she owed someone a favor and fulfilled that favor knowing the Supreme Court would overturn it. At least she can say. “Hey I held up my end of the bargain”

How further can the Virgin Island sinks with a bunch of fools running our agencies, a huge fool at the head that appointed the other fools. Now the superior court. WOW!

Roberto Quintano

I absolutely, totally agree.

In the USVI mediocrity is celebrated.

And incompetence rewarded.

It is cultural.

And when others object and attempt to do better, they are condemned, ostracized, punished and discarded.

Sad.

cruciancounsel

Sounds a lot like Chicago and New York, eh?

cruciancounsel

Wow. Lolol

bradlevin

Why do they deserve red carpet treatment. What have they done to improve the lives of the people. Just more show and poppy showing around.

Roberto Quintano

And you were the one blowing Sen. Marvin Blyden’s trumpet.

Wha wrang wid you?

You forget?

Strange of you.

bradlevin

Yes, he is the Best ting since sweet bread, tart, and bread and cheese. why are you such a hater on Marvin. What is it that you have against him.

Roberto Quintano

Then you cannot say he does not “deserve red carpet treatment” nor he has done nothing to “improve the lives of the people.”

Be consistent. Give Jack his Jacket.

Das all a was pointing out to you.

Lawd man.

bradlevin

Did you see him anywhere in that picture on the red carpet??? lol

Roberto Quintano

I was there.

His shoes was shiny.

bradlevin

LMAO. That my boy

bradlevin

You promise that you stay off of him but it seems as the new year has giving you the itch to come at him again. aye

Roberto Quintano

Is you start it.

Ah done.

bradlevin

Why don’t you go after Rodriquez or is Rodriguez with all of his short comings but wanting to be a senator to represent you.

Roberto Quintano

Rodriquez? He is confused and bankrupt.

I will settle for Marvin. You check.

At least he knows where he lives.

And with his Housing retirement pension and Senator’s salary he “cooking wid gas.” Cannot be easily bribed.

Yeah mon!

To hell with Tennessee.

bradlevin

LMAO you is such a fool ..lol

URFinalDestination

Let the new Circus act begin!!!! The Clowns of the VI Legislature in action, lets see what new disappointments are coming for 2017,2018. Same clowns with different costumes and lots of tricks.

Watchdog

Wow, what a poppy show? As for Rodriquez, politics is a b—-! Guess if he was more qualified, there would be no desperation to be Senator. They are all big fish in a little pond. A bunch of BS artists.

Gladys Richardson

Who is going to be the fifteenth senator or is it just going to be only 14 senators?

Roberto Quintano

Run, Gladys, run.

Gladys Richardson

No thanks, besides I would have to live in the USVI for three years before running as a senator there…….

She is a very fair, competent judge. Supreme Court override unnecessary.

cruciancounsel

They simply said she made a mistake. Judges are not infallible(except the supremes). Lol

puertocruzan

Fourteen senators are too much..they should empty more seats.

Watchdog

Exactly! Too many Senators sitting around doing nothing. Should cut number of seats to seven including at-large, 3 from STT-ST CX

Expose Them VI

Why is it that the VI and all of the folks in the Territory like to call for truth and justice but are afraid to say and speak the truth!!!!! The courts are out of order for jumping on this case before hand. The elections were certified by the Board and the Supervisor!! Action if any should have come after today’s proceedings. This is a blatant attack on Democracy. The people voted and elected Mr Rodriguez. That is how Democracy works. Talk about Politics is a B—-!!!!I guess that the speed of it all stems from Janelle Sarauw and the political power of “Pops Sarauw” that got her out of some sticky situations. Wonder why the so call “forward movement” is not holding her accountable for her predatory attack on underage girls (Didn’t know about that huh!!). Hey “Foreward Movement”seems great, but like you said speak the truth. I wonder if she will address that at some point or you will hold her accountable. I dare you to lie about it too Janelle!!! Since you are such a “sore loser”!! If it were a man his “goose” was cooked!!!! I hope that there is a special election and we don’t grant the seat to anyone. Let the people choose.

S Anthony

Did Rodriguez hook you up with a government job once upon a time? Or did he promise you one come 2017?

qryacyt

It is unfortunate how this cheating prevented 2 wonderful women from being elected into the Senate an opportunity. This type of dishonesty and lack of morality is exactly what the Senate does not need.

STX _Militant

Well sah, the characters of the dog and pony show are all present. I want to see which who mimics the newly elected “commander in tweet!” I’m sure one of these nincompoop will show their true colors while seated. How long will the people accept mediocrity as a daily way of life in the territory? Arrrgh! I’m so done!

Watchdog

Lol! Good one!

STX _Militant

Lol, you know they love to follow stateside foolishness.

Dooreo

The moment Chucky opens her megaphone mouth, you have your answer

STX _Militant

Sad thing is, I know that will be the start of the diarrhea to come.

3404ever

One of the words in the opening sentence is the problem “Power” That’s all this batch of retards is interested in, power, serving self, and getting their filthy hands on free money. I agree with watchdog 7 is plenty.

STX _Militant

Sounds like a Dictatorship is brewing.

Lisa007

It should only be 6 senators. This is insane for 3 small islands. There should be 2 per island only. Having 12 senators, but our roads still crappy, school system going down the drain, tax checks still MIA, crime and unemployment is still high. This is pure foolery and paying for this circus.

STX _Militant

Well now where those funds are being funneled. $80,000 plus annually are wasted on these clowns, and roads are forgotten, hospital owes WAPA millions, social services funds are depleted, they steady borrowing against rum bonds etc…. sad thing is we don’t have one thing to show for the money or their efforts. complacency is the order of the day, or the method to their madness.

rum_runner

$80k is just the salary. Add in secretary, travel, office, all that, I don’t doubt each senator costs the taxpayer half a million a year.

guest

Lisa007, that would mean that the law will have to change for districting.